Strip Cut Paper Shredders cuts paper into thin narrow hard to read strips that are as long as the document. This type of shredding is not as secure as cross cut shredders, but cost comparatively less, require less maintenance and can shred documents faster than comparable cross cut models. Most strip shredders models can shred credit cards, floppy disks and CDs.

Cross Cut Paper Shredders cut documents in two directions creating tiny pieces of paper that provide improved protection. Cross cut is an ideal method for destroying top highly confidential personal and business financial documents. Cross Cut shredders requires a more oiling than the Strip Cut because it utilizes two blades but they reduce the need for frequent shredder bag changes because the shredded papers are in smaller particle.

The Feed Opening is the part of the paper shredder where the paper enters. The width varies and increases as model numbers increase which ranges from 8 inches to 18 inches. There are several reasons why this is important.

You must choose the shredder width based on the size of the documents you will be shredding. (The standard paper size 8 1/2 x 11, easily fits in any Formax shredder.) If you plan to shred continuous form documents wider than 12 inches, it is best to focus on our Production Shredders that offer a 16" feed opening which will allow you to shred continuously without constant watch. (Office Shredders offers feed openings ranging from 9.25" to15".) Continuous forms will constantly jam if you have a smaller feed opening.

The output is measured in pounds per hour and is an indication of the speed and power of the shredder. You need to know what kind of power you want to work with. Many times purchasing a bigger more powerful shredder pays off depending on your volume. If you are doing very little shredding the low models will be sufficient.